Transforming Markets with Green Entrepreneurship from Europe to Asia and Beyond
The global role of the Center for Social Innovation
Green entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as a pivotal driver of sustainable economic growth worldwide. By integrating environmental considerations into business models, green entrepreneurs can significantly transform markets, creating innovative solutions to pressing ecological challenges. This approach not only addresses environmental issues but also opens new economic opportunities, fostering sustainable development.
The Center for Social Innovation (CSI) stands at the forefront of this global shift. As an organization dedicated to fostering positive change through innovation, CSI leverages its expertise to support and promote green entrepreneurship. With a mission to develop and implement social, educational, and technological solutions that address contemporary challenges, CSI has been instrumental in leading initiatives that drive sustainable growth. Their involvement in the design, development and deployment of the Asian Network of Green Entrepreneurship and Leadership (ANGEL) is a testament to their commitment to fostering green entrepreneurship on a global scale.
CSI's global outreach extends across Europe, Asia, Americas and beyond, positioning it as a leader in social innovation. The organization's projects and collaborations span multiple continents, working with universities, governments, and businesses to implement solutions that address social and environmental issues. By promoting best practices and innovative approaches, CSI is evolving as a global leader in green entrepreneurship, influencing policies and driving change worldwide. CSI currently manages a network of more than 3000 organizations, academic institutions, business and public services, deploying its expertise and experience in education, training, social entrepreneurship and community work.
The ANGEL, a European initiative aimed at promoting university-led entrepreneurial development in the ASEAN region, recently concluded with a series of impactful activities and a final conference. CSI's contribution to the project has been instrumental in achieving its objectives and ensuring its successful closure.
CSI played a crucial role in the ANGEL by participating and facilitating training sessions at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi University of Mining and Geology in Vietnam, over the past 2 years. These sessions equipped academics and stakeholders with essential knowledge on entrepreneurial learning principles, practical aspects of establishing entrepreneurial centers, networking techniques, and fundraising strategies. The active participation of CSI representatives Anastasia Liopetriti, Andria Pitsillidou, and Kleovoulos Stylianou significantly contributed to the formation of ANGEL Innovative Units and Hubs, connecting universities with the global markets.
Following the extensive capacity building of the key actors in green entrepreneurship in the ASEAN region, 12 universities with the support of CSI and its partners, established ANGEL Innovative Units and Hubs. These units serve as platforms for promoting entrepreneurial learning, building partnerships, and developing expertise in the commercialization of university knowledge and technology, in green technologies, energy, and sustainable development.
CSI was pivotal in organizing innovation competitions focused on green entrepreneurship at participating universities. The winning teams from each university competed in the ANGEL International Innovation Competition in Kuala Lumpur in June 2024, with Loizos Pitsillides, Head of European Projects Financial Management at CSI, serving as a jury member.
In June 2024, CSI participated in the final conference at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Kuala Lumpur, presenting project outcomes and promoting future university-led entrepreneurship. CSI representatives engaged with key stakeholders, including delegates from the Malaysia EU Embassy, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, industry experts, academics, and researchers. During the grand dinner, CSI was honored with an award for its exceptional collaboration and commitment to the project, particularly recognizing the efforts of CSI project manager, Kleovoulos Stylianou.
The successful implementation of the ANGEL Innovation Hubs and CSI's ongoing expansion into Asian universities underscore the transformative power of green entrepreneurship. By fostering innovation and sustainable development, CSI continues to lead the way in creating a greener, more prosperous future for all, form the local communities to the international markets.
